Understanding Common Types of Malicious Software and Their Risks

Malware, short for malicious software, refers to harmful programs that infiltrate computers without user permission, causing damage or unwanted actions. These include viruses, worms, spyware, Trojans, and rootkits. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, understanding different malware types is vital for protection. Malware first emerged alongside the internet's expansion in the 1990s, initially spreading through emails and infected storage devices. Today, attackers employ various techniques, including ransomware, wiper malware, and fileless attacks, targeting individuals and organizations alike.

Historically, malware caused issues like data deletion and system corruption, with early examples such as Casino Disk Destroyer. Modern malware tends to combine features for more potent attacks. Ransomware blocks access until ransom is paid, while wiper malware destroys data entirely, as seen in recent attacks like Petya. Cryptocurrency mining malware hijacks system resources to generate profit secretly. Additionally, fileless malware operates without traditional files, making detection difficult by attacking memory and system processes, often through exploits or hidden scripts. The increase in smartphone use has also led to mobile malware, which can steal personal data, track locations, and access cameras, posing serious privacy threats.